TEC Certification

In the fast-evolving telecom industry, product safety, quality, and compliance are essential for manufacturers and importers. In India, the Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) plays a vital role in certifying telecom and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) equipment through a formal process known as TEC Certification.

Whether you're a domestic manufacturer or an international brand exporting telecom products to India, obtaining TEC approval is mandatory under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme. In this guide, we’ll explain the TEC certification process, its importance, the list of products covered, and how you can apply for TEC registration in India.

What is TEC Certification?

TEC Certification is the approval granted by the Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC), a technical body under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It certifies that telecom equipment complies with essential Indian standards for quality, safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and interoperability.

The certification is governed by the MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment) framework. As per this regulation, no telecom or network equipment can be sold or imported into India without valid TEC approval.

Importance of TEC Certification

With increasing dependence on communication technologies like 5G, IoT, and cloud services, the Indian government has enforced strict compliance norms. TEC certification ensures:

• Network Safety: Prevents substandard equipment from disrupting communication networks.
  
  

• User Security: Assures that devices do not pose a threat to health or personal data.
  
  

• Legal Compliance: Helps avoid penalties, product bans, or customs rejections.
  
  

• Market Access: TEC certification is mandatory to launch telecom equipment in India.
  
  

• Government Tenders: Only TEC-approved equipment can be used in government projects.
  
  

Who Needs TEC Certification?

• Domestic Manufacturers producing telecom or network products.
  
  

• Foreign Manufacturers exporting telecom equipment to India.
  
  

• Importers and Distributors (on behalf of OEMs).
  
  

• System Integrators and Telecom Operators deploying hardware in networks.
  
  

Products Covered Under TEC Certification

The TEC has categorized products into various phases under the MTCTE scheme. Some common product categories include:

• Mobile phones and smartphones
  
  

• Wi-Fi routers and access points
  
  

• Modems and LAN switches
  
  

• Smartwatches and smart meters
  
  

• IP-based video surveillance systems
  
  

• IoT gateways and communication modules
  
  

• GPS devices
  
  

• Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals
  
  

• Set-top boxes
  
  

• Telecom servers and firewalls
  
  

A complete list of products and their applicable Indian standards is available on the official TEC India portal.

Types of Certification Schemes

TEC offers certification under two schemes:

1. General Certification Scheme (GCS)

Applicable for equipment with well-established testing parameters. In this case, the applicant must submit self-declared conformity along with a test report from a TEC-designated CAB (Conformity Assessment Body).

2. Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS)

Used for simpler products with minimal testing requirements. SCS requires a Declaration of Conformity and test results from a recognized lab.

The classification depends on product complexity, risk, and usage category.

TEC Certification Process in India

Here’s a step-by-step process to obtain TEC approval for telecom products:

Step 1: Register on TEC Portal

Create an account on the TEC MTCTE portal using valid credentials of the applicant or manufacturer.

Step 2: Select Product Category

Identify your product’s applicable ER (Essential Requirements) and TEC product category.

Step 3: Testing at CAB

Send your product sample to a TEC-recognized lab (CAB) for testing as per Indian standards. You will receive a detailed test report.

Step 4: Online Application Submission

Submit the application online along with:

• Test report
  
  

• Technical documents
  
  

• Authorization letters
  
  

• BIS/WPC approvals (if required)
  
  

Step 5: Application Review

TEC will scrutinize the documentation, validate test results, and verify compliance.

Step 6: Grant of Certificate

If approved, TEC issues a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). You can then legally manufacture, import, or sell the product in India.

Documents Required for TEC Registration

Here’s a checklist of documents needed for TEC certification:

• Business registration proof (GST, Company PAN)
  
  

• Technical specifications of the product
  
  

• Product User Manual
  
  

• Test reports from TEC-approved CAB
  
  

• Brand authorization letter (if applicable)
  
  

• Manufacturer’s details
  
  

• Product photographs
  
  

• Digital signature certificate (DSC)
  
  

• Compliance with EMI/EMC and safety standards
  
  

Timeline and Validity

• Time Taken: The average time for TEC certification is 4 to 6 weeks, depending on product category and document readiness.
  
  

• Validity: The TEC certificate is valid for 5 years and can be renewed upon expiry.
  
  

TEC Certification Fees

The overall cost for TEC approval includes:

• Application processing fee (based on product type)
  
  

• Testing charges by TEC lab (CAB)
  
  

• Consultant fees (if you hire a professional)
  
  

• Renewal and maintenance charges (after expiry)
  
  

Role of TEC Consultants

The certification process involves technical documentation, lab coordination, and compliance understanding. A TEC consultant helps by:

• Identifying applicable product standards
  
  

• Preparing and reviewing documents
  
  

• Coordinating with CABs and TEC officials
  
  

• Ensuring faster approval and zero errors
  
  

• Reducing rejection chances
  
  

This is especially useful for new manufacturers or foreign exporters unfamiliar with Indian telecom norms.

Recent Updates from TEC India

• As of 2024, new product categories such as smart TVs, barcode readers, and RFID devices have been added to the TEC certification list.
  
  

• TEC now integrates with BIS, WPC, and MeitY for synchronized compliance procedures.
  
  

• Testing infrastructure has expanded, with more labs empaneled across India for faster testing.
  
  

Conclusion

With India becoming a global hub for electronics and communication technology, TEC certification is now a critical requirement for market access. Whether you manufacture routers, smartphones, POS machines, or any telecom hardware, getting TEC approval ensures your product is legal, trusted, and ready for nationwide deployment.

Avoid legal penalties, customs issues, or business delays—ensure your product meets TEC’s Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) norms. Partner with an experienced TEC consultant if needed and streamline your journey to compliance and success in the Indian telecom market.